Thu Sep 05 by: Archer Hume

Fishing in Upper Kiewa River, Kiewa: Species, Tactics & Local Tips

The upper section of the Kiewa River, characterized by forested areas and excellent instream habitat.

Image of Upper Kiewa River

Source: www.visitmountbeauty.com.au

Introduction

The Upper Kiewa River flows through the Alpine National Park, offering pristine fishing conditions in a scenic environment. This section of the river is known for its cold, clear waters and abundant trout population. The forested surroundings provide excellent cover and food sources for fish, making it an ideal habitat for both brown and rainbow trout. Anglers can expect challenging fishing conditions due to the river’s flow and structure, but the rewards can be significant. Fly fishing is particularly popular here, with dry flies and nymphs being effective techniques. Access can be limited in some areas, so researching entry points and potentially hiking to reach prime fishing spots is recommended.

About Kiewa

The Kiewa region is a long, narrow basin in Victoria, Australia, featuring the Kiewa River as its main waterway. Known for its diverse fishing opportunities, the area spans from alpine forests to farmland, offering anglers a chance to target various species. The upper reaches are renowned for trout fishing, while the lower parts of the Kiewa River are home to native fish like Murray cod.

You can find more information about Kiewa in our Kiewa region guide post.

What should you fish with at Upper Kiewa River?

When it comes to fishing at Upper Kiewa River, your choice of bait or lure can greatly impact your success. Based on the preferred fishing methods for the species found here, at Upper Kiewa River you can find success with nearly anything, as both baits and lures are equally effective.

For the best chances of success, try using Garden Worms as bait or fishing with a Minnow Lures. Remember to always check local regulations and adjust your fishing strategy based on the specific conditions and seasons at Upper Kiewa River.

The Top 5 Baits to Use at Upper Kiewa River

For those who prefer bait fishing, here are the top 5 options that have consistently produced results at Upper Kiewa River:

  • Live Worms
  • Garden Worms
  • Scrubworms
  • Maggots
  • Minnows

The Top 5 Lures to Use at Upper Kiewa River

For artificial lure enthusiasts, here are the 5 most effective options that have been proven to work wonders at Upper Kiewa River:

  • Soft Plastics
  • Hard Bodied Lures
  • Minnow Lures
  • Spinnerbaits
  • Surface Lures

What You'll Catch at Upper Kiewa River

When fishing at Upper Kiewa River, you're likely to reel in:

Image of a Brown Trout

Source: flystream.com

#1 – The Brown Trout

Brown trout (Salmo trutta) is a popular freshwater game fish in Victoria, known for its fighting spirit and delicious taste.

How to catch Brown Trout

In Victoria, Brown trout can be caught using various techniques. Fly fishing is popular, especially with wet flies imitating aquatic insects or dry flies during insect hatches. Lure fishing with small spinners, soft plastics, or hard-bodied lures can also be effective. Bait fishing using worms, maggots, or small fish can work well in some areas. Early morning or late evening fishing often yields the best results. Focus on deep pools, undercut banks, and areas with cover in rivers and streams. In lakes, target drop-offs and weed beds.

To learn more about catching Brown Trout, read more here.
Image of a Rainbow Trout

Source: vrfish.com.au

#2 – The Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is a popular freshwater game fish in Victoria, known for its colorful appearance and fighting spirit.

How to catch Rainbow Trout

To catch rainbow trout in Victoria, anglers can use various techniques. Fly fishing with wet or dry flies is popular in rivers and streams. Lure casting with small spinners, soft plastics, or hard-bodied lures can be effective in both flowing and still waters. Bait fishing with worms, maggots, or PowerBait is often successful, especially in stocked lakes. When fishing in rivers, focus on pools, eddies, and undercut banks where trout may hold. In lakes, try fishing near drop-offs, weed beds, or submerged structures. Early morning and late evening are generally the best times to target rainbow trout.

To learn more about catching Rainbow Trout, read more here.

Less Common Catches

If you're lucky, you might also encounter:

Image of a River Blackfish

Source: vrfish.com.au

#3 – The River Blackfish

The River blackfish is a freshwater fish native to south-eastern Australia, known for its dark coloration and elongated body.

How to catch River Blackfish

To catch River blackfish, focus on fishing during dusk, night, or early morning when they are most active. Use light tackle and fish close to structure such as fallen logs, undercut banks, or dense vegetation. Bait fishing with worms or small yabbies can be effective, as can slowly retrieving small soft plastics or hard-bodied lures. Be patient and persistent, as these fish can be shy and require a delicate approach.

To learn more about catching River Blackfish, read more here.

FAQs about Upper Kiewa River

Where is Upper Kiewa River?

Upper Kiewa River is situated in the beautiful Kiewa region. This area is known for its diverse aquatic ecosystem and offers excellent fishing opportunities for both beginners and experienced anglers. The region's unique geography and climate contribute to the rich variety of fish species found in its waters, making it a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts throughout the year.

What fish can I catch at Upper Kiewa River?

Upper Kiewa River offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities. The primary fish species you can target include brown trout and rainbow trout. Additionally, river blackfish are also commonly found in the area. Each of these species offers a unique fishing experience, whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler. Remember to check local regulations and seasons for each species before your fishing trip.

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